Steve Bruce has high hopes for Sunderland left winger David Miliband

12 January 2011 02:50

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Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is hoping his request to sign a left-winger will be answered. [LNB]However, the man in question is not a footballer, but former Foreign Secretary David Miliband. [LNB]The Black Cats confirmed that they have held talks with the 45-year-old South Shields MP, who was beaten in the Labour leadership race by brother Ed, over a non-executive role with the club amid reports that he is to become vice-chairman. [LNB] Lucky Black Cat? Labour MP David Miliband is set to join the board at Sunderland[LNB]Bruce said: 'I did ask for a left-winger. If it comes off, then fantastic. [LNB]'He's down the road in South Shieldsand in the area, and we would welcome him on board. If that's going tohappen, it would be fantastic for the club. [LNB]'It just lifts the brand and what weare trying to achieve, and it might give a little more street cred, ifthat's the right word, to what we are trying to do.'[LNB] Miliband, 45, is reportedly an Arsenal fan, but that would not represent a problem for Bruce. [LNB] Fingers crossed: Black Cats boss Steve Bruce would love to welcome David Miliband to the Stadium of Light[LNB]He said: 'He's in the area, hisconstituency is just down the road here, and I think he will bewelcomed by everybody concerned. [LNB]'He's high-profile and a veryarticulate and intelligent man, and I'm sure he will add something elseto what we are trying to achieve.'[LNB] Earlier, chairman Niall Quinn confirmed that talks had taken place. [LNB]He said: 'We are always challenging ourselves to find new ways to grow and develop the club and to make it stronger. [LNB]'We have had talks with DavidMiliband about a non-executive role at the club, but have nothingfurther to report at the moment.'[LNB]Suits you: Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn[LNB]A spokesman for Mr Miliband hadearlier said discussions had taken place about a role which would focuson the MP's 'international and community work'. [LNB]He said: 'David Miliband isdetermined to continue to serve his constituency and pursue hisinterests in foreign and environmental policy. [LNB]It is understood Quinn approached him following his defeat by brother Ed in the Labour Party leadership election last September. Miliband is thought to be keen to take the position, but parliamentary procedure must be adhered to and no appointment is expected until next month.[LNB] Sunderland hunt for left winger! MP Miliband set to be named vice-chairmanClub-by-club guide to every Premier League transfer deal during JanuaryFergie lines up Sunderland's £15m Gordon to replace veteran Van der Sar All the latest Sunderland news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: David Miliband, Steve Bruce, Niall Quinn Organisations: Labour Party